Right Here, Right Now
The monthly Nitro Party at CIRCUIT NIGHTCLUB on Saturday, September 29 is called "Valley of the Kings" and features superstar DJ Tony Moran, a performance by Cyon Flare, and ancient Egyptian-influenced visuals by VISUWIL. Another superstar DJ, Susan Morabito is also in town behind the decks that night at HYDRATE. Out in the suburbs, HUNTERS' "Ascent Party" (with DJ Laura B) presents Jason Antone singing his chart-topping dance tracks at midnight.

Earlier that evening, the hilarious MISS RICHFIELD 1981 appears at the Lakeshore Theater (3175 N. Broadway) at 9pm. Part Dame Edna, part Garrison Keillor, and part Mary Tyler Moore, the entertaining performer is not to be missed. Even earlier that afternoon the A/X - ARMANI EXCHANGE (520 N. Michigan Ave.) "Chicago DJ Series" continues with a live in-store DJ set by Timmy Loop, 2pm-8pm.

Columbus Sailed The Ocean Blue
During Columbus Day weekend on Friday, October 5, Mary's Attic hosts a book signing party for OUT Magazine columnist JESSE ARCHER. He'll read from his new book You Can Run: Gay, Glam and Gritty Travels In South America and talk about his many varied experiences at 8pm. On the same night "The Flesh Hungry Dog Show" hits the JACKHAMMER stage @ 9pm. The monthly queer, alternative, rock 'n' burlesque cabaret presents The Softer Side of FHD, featuring two of Chicago's most unique acoustic and electronic duos - Actor Slash Model and Congress of Starlings - along with rockers Double Fortune. The show will also feature prize giveaways from The Pleasure Chest and DJ Mercedez Ben.

CROBAR should be packed on Sunday, October 7 for "Operation: M.A.R.Y." with DJ Abel on the main floor. Presented by Box Boy Rich, the night includes DJs Ron G, Ted Eiel, and Joel Rodriquez in the mezzanine suite and a live performance by Tamara Wallace (Funky Green Dogs). Downtown on that same night, the "Dance For Leukemia" benefit event at CLUB 720 features Kristine W, Danielle Bollinger, and DJ Teri Bristol @ 9pm.

"Dark Meat Please"
Since September 28 is the last Friday of the month, that means the "Urbano" Party takes over CIRCUIT with DJs Anton and Kenae spinning hip-hop, reggaeton, and house. The urban weekend ends with the brand new weekly Sunday "Penthouse" party at CLUB 720. Keeping with the hip-hop musical theme, "Ear-Rotic" with DJ Stoney takes place on successive Saturdays, September 29 and October 6, at SPIN NIGHTCLUB. And of course still going strong is the PROP HOUSE, which is having a "9th Anniversary Party" featuring DJ Ransom on Friday, September 28.

Mexican cowboys will be spoiled over the next two weeks. Friday nights at CLUB CHESTERFIELD on the southside is "Cowboy Rage" with a midnight drag show featuring Yamileth and El Famoso Pancho. On the northside at CIRCUIT, Sunday, October 7's "Tardeada (T-Dance)" is Cowboy Night with DJs Fast Freddy & Alex Perez and host Veronica Zaid.

Takin' Most Of It Off --
COCKTAIL keeps packing them in to view the Spank Go-Go Boys (five nights a week) and to hear plenty of house beats w/ DJs Michael Serafini (Tuesdays), Freddie Bain (Fridays), and Matt Boss & Dhanna (Saturdays). Other popular stripper shows can be found in Boystown at LUCKY HORSESHOE and up in Andersonville at @MOSPHERE every Thursday, Friday, & Saturday.

Regular guys get down to their skivvies during the Amateur Stripper Contest at HUNTERS on October 7. If Elk Grove Village is too far away, the wet boxer contests in the city include one at ROSCOE'S on Thursday, September 27 (also on this night there's the "Ugly Betty" season premiere viewing party and first season DVD giveaway) and the battles at SPIN on Fridays, September 28 and October 5. Lots of skin is also shown during "ID Lube Wrestling" with DJ Jeanette @ HYDRATE on October 5.

Takin' It All Off -
Chicago's two men's clubs have plenty of nude pursuits to offer. STEAMWORKS features a "Lights Out" party every Thursday night (4pm-4am) and DJ Dick serving up sexy beats during the after-hours on Friday and Saturday nights. The all-nude stripper shows at MAN'S COUNTRY features Paris on Friday, September 28 with Jake and Cezar highlighting the line-up on Saturday, September 29.

It's All About House Music --
The new GENTRY ON HALSTED features house beats throughout the week with DJs Jim Dezetal (Wednesdays), AJ Dubbz (Fridays) and IRA (Saturdays). Every Thursday night beginning at 7pm DJ Plez supplies a groovy beat to eat and drink by during "Pride Night" @ CESAR'S ON BROADWAY with Miss Foozie serving as hostess. For dancing purposes "Boom Boom Room" at GREEN DOLPHIN STREET on Monday nights is a must. On October 1 Alton Miller joins resident DJs Michael Serafini, Diz, Uncle Milty and JustJoey.

Last Night A DJ Saved My Life
On the local scene, DJ LuLu rocks the after-hours dance floor at CHARLIE'S on Fridays and Saturdays while DJ Oskar brings his signature blend of "feel good" dance music to JACKHAMMER on Wednesdays and Thursdays and to MINIBAR on Fridays. In Andersonville, MARY'S ATTIC presents DJ Shoshanna's eclectic mix on Fridays and DJ Boom's hi-energy beats on Saturdays. Out in the south suburbs, then THE EDGE BAR with DJ Rockin' RC on Fridays and DJ Pervy on Saturdays should be on your agenda

On a grander scale, three of the biggest DJ names on the global dance music scene hit Chicago in the next couple of weeks. On Friday, September 28, SPY BAR (646 N. Franklin) brings Victor Calderone to town while a few blocks away on the same night at VISION (632 N. Dearborn), Sasha makes a much anticipated appearance. Erick Morillo is presented at CROBAR on Friday, October 5.

Fetish Fun
Looking for serious leather men? Check out CELL BLOCK and EAGLE and most especially TOUCHÉ on Tuesdays. Saturday, October 6 is "Bear Night" @ TOUCHÉ for big, hairy men and their admirers. The club meeting begins at 9pm and the fun lasts until 5am. The red hanky guys of M.A.F.I.A. meet on Friday, October 5 while Master Timothy oversees the "Dungeon Master Night" on Saturday, October 6.

Favorite Hangouts
BERLIN has a special event on Thursday, September 27, with a Cazwell live on stage and DJs Greg Haus, Heather Doble, and Zebo in the booth. In Uptown at BIG CHICKS the monthly "Formerly Known As" transgendered dance party takes place on Thursday, October 4. Weekly fun in the West Loop is back on the calendar on Wednesdays with "Shelter" at VICTOR HOTEL featuring DJ Pete Augusta.

When it comes to drinkin' & cruisin' there are only professionals hanging out at the video bar SIDETRACK, which features "Showtunes" on Mondays and "Comedy" on Thursdays. Whether looking for a hook-up or a friendly conversation, LITTLE JIM'S and BUCK'S SALOON are two Boystown institutions not to be missed. Further south in the heart of trendy Lincoln Park, the MANHANDLER SALOON is a delightfully fun undercover oasis.

For those hanging out downtown THE SECOND STORY BAR and GENTRY ON STATE are popular options. Both places boast large crowds on Fridays for TGIF cocktails. Gentry is also one of several popular spots in the city for cabaret performances along with DAVENPORT'S in Wicker Park and 3160 in Lakeview. In the heart of Boystown, CORNELIA'S BISTRO features music six nights of the week with the likes of Beckie Menzie and Paul Marinaro.

If drinking cheaply is your goal, then BOBBY LOVES and NORTH END are the perfect Boystown options while GRANVILLE ANVIL is a great dive bar on the far northside. Inexpensive libations in a classy environment can be had every Sunday and Tuesday with _-price martinis at KIT KAT LOUNGE & SUPPER CLUB.